The COVID pandemic has put a spotlight on something many of us already knew — integrating and investing in early childhood development is crucial to a vibrant and just economy and society. Read on to learn more about that conversation in Monterey County.
Child Care Is Everyone’s Business
First 5 Monterey County’s Executive Director Francine Rodd, Bright Beginnings’ Director Sonja Koehler, and Director of Santa Cruz County Workforce Development Andy Stone participated on a panel discussion on “Childcare Is Everyone’s Business,” moderated by Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Paul Farmer during the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) State of the Region conference. Watch the full recording of the discussion here, and highlighted in the Monterey Herald on October 29.
Economic Impact of Investing in Child Care
According to Nobel Prize winning economist James Heckman, there is a 13% return on investment in quality early education programs. Bright Beginnings’ Director Sonja Koehler shares what that might look like in Monterey County — read more here on page 8 of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Journal.